Ludwigia 'Atlantis' care guide
Ludwigia 'Atlantis' (Ludwigia sp. 'Atlantis') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Ludwigia 'Atlantis' (Ludwigia sp. 'Atlantis') is an aquatic plant of the family Onagraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A vibrant hybrid Ludwigia displaying intense red to orange-red coloration even under moderate lighting. More forgiving than many red stems, it bridges the gap between easy and demanding red plants.
Taxonomy
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Ludwigia
- Scientific name: Ludwigia sp. 'Atlantis'
- Common synonyms: Atlantis Ludwigia
Habitat
Ludwigia is a cosmopolitan genus of marsh plants (Onagraceae) that grow in shallow standing water, swamps and ditches across the Americas, Africa and Asia. Many species shift from green emersed growth to vivid red coloration once submersed under bright light. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Cultivar.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 35 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
A background or midground stem plant. Bright lighting, CO2 and abundant macro and micro nutrients are required to develop and hold the red pigments characteristic of many Ludwigia forms. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagated from cuttings: a healthy tip cutting of 8-10 cm is replanted in the substrate and roots within days. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
A switch from intense red to green usually signals a drop in light intensity, iron deficiency or shading by surrounding plants; correcting lighting and macro/micro dosing restores colour.
Propagating Ludwigia sp. 'Atlantis' from Cuttings
Overview
Ludwigia sp. 'Atlantis' is a cultivated red-toned form within the genus Ludwigia, part of the family Onagraceae. The genus comprises about 82 species of aquatic plants with a cosmopolitan but mainly tropical distribution, known by common names such as water-primrose and primrose-willow. As a stem plant it can be grown submerged and emersed, and 'Atlantis' is prized for intense red to orange-red colour that shows even under moderate light.
That tolerance makes it a useful bridge between easy and demanding red stems, but it still rewards good light and feeding. Because it is a cultivar rather than a wild species, it is multiplied vegetatively to keep its colour true.
Propagation Method (Cuttings)
Ludwigia branches willingly and is easily propagated through the cut-offs. You cut the stem at a node some distance below your target height, replant the top, and the remaining lower part sprouts side shoots to fill in the area. The result is more stems from each plant you trim.
Step-by-Step
- Cut a healthy stem at a node, taking a top section of about 5-10 cm.
- Strip the lowest leaves so a clean node can be buried in the substrate.
- Replant the cutting into nutrient-rich substrate to root the bare node.
- Leave the base in place; side shoots will sprout from the lower part to fill the gap.
- Keep light and nutrients up so the cutting roots and holds its red tone.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
Red Ludwigia needs higher light for good colour — roughly 70-80 µmol PAR is enough, and at that level and above the plant both colours up and produces more side shoots. Higher nutrient levels likewise drive more branching, so balanced fertilisation pays off. Although 'Atlantis' colours under moderate light, stronger light, CO2 and a well-balanced fertilisation routine give the deepest reds.
Trimming & Maintenance
Top the plant at a node below the height you want and replant the cut tops; the base branches to thicken the group. Regular trimming keeps the stand dense and lets you steadily expand the planting from your own cuttings rather than buying more stems.
Common Challenges
- Weak or fading colour — light is below the ~70-80 µmol PAR the plant wants.
- Sparse, unbranched stems — too little light or too few nutrients for side shoots.
- Slow rooting of cuttings — bury a clean node and keep light and ferts steady.